Main Purpose of the Job

The project will contribute to research and innovation aimed at developing technology to control pathogenic bacteria in the food chain.

We have established a functional genomics approach to identify combinations of bacteriophage, viruses that replicate in bacteria, that together are more effective as antimicrobials. This led to a phage formulation that you will further develop and test efficacy to control Salmonella in pigs. You will use molecular biology and microbiology techniques to engineer improved phage propagation strains of Salmonella and test the phage in a pig infection model. Personal and professional development is an important component of the work and this will be achieved by identifying needs enabling achievement project and career objectives. This is an academic research project generating data relevant to translational science and as such you will be expected to publish your findings in peer reviewed journals.

Weekly and monthly objectives will be agreed with the line manager. Supervision and training in laboratory techniques will be provided by a team of researchers and students in the Kingsley and Addriaenssens groups.

Key Relationships

You will work closely with Prof. Rob Kingsley and Prof Evelien Adriaenssens for strategic planning and objective setting and with researchers and students within their groups for advice and training. You will also interact with collaborators in industry to disseminate research findings.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage

Molecular biology and microbiology research in the laboratory

70

Report and manuscript writing

20

Supervision of junior scientists

10

As agreed with line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the role

Education & Qualifications

Requirement

Importance

PhD in Microbiology or related discipline

Essential

MSc or equivalent in microbiology, or a related life sciences discipline

Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement

Importance

Expertise in Microbiology

Essential

Expertise in Molecular Biology

Essential

Excellent publication record commensurate with level of experience

Essential

Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate and detailed records of laboratory experiments and results

Essential

Knowledge of bacterial pathogens

Desirable

Knowledge of enteric pathogens

Desirable

Expertise in managing collaborations

Desirable

Relevant Experience

Requirement

Importance

Experience in quantitative PCR

Desirable

Experience in working with phage

Desirable

Experience in models of infection

Desirable

Experienced in data visualisation with R or similar

Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement

Importance

Ability to work to deadlines

Essential

Good communication skills, both written and verbal

Essential

Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well as part of a team

Essential

Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills

Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement

Importance

Attention to detail

Essential

Promotes equality and values diversity

Essential

Observe best practices in data management and research integrity

Essential

Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work

Essential

Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute

Essential

Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate

Essential

Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required

Essential

Quadram Institute Bioscience

The Quadram Institute is at the forefront of a new interface between food science, gut biology and health, developing solutions to worldwide challenges in food-related disease and human health.

We are engaged in fundamental and translational food and health research, alongside clinical studies, endoscopy and industry, working together to become a leading international hub for food and health research, combining scientific excellence and clinical expertise, delivering impacts on patient care and accelerating innovation.

The Quadram Institute is a diverse and multicultural scientific community. We thrive on our international and European links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on +44 (0)1603 450888 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk.

For more information about working at Quadram Institute Bioscience, please click here.

Department

Microbes and Food Safety

Group Details

Our aim is to understand how genomic variation of bacterial pathogens effects on how they interact with the environment and with the host. We use this information to improve food safety by developing innovative new methods of pathogen surveillance, diagnostics or intervention that will reduce the risk of foodborne disease or the development and transmission of antimicrobial resistance. This knowledge also helps us better understand the microbiome and the complex interplay between it, pathogens and the host, and how it can be manipulated to treat infections.
With a principal interest in the foodborne pathogen Salmonella enterica, we combine genomic, transcriptomic and other ‘omics data to generate hypotheses that are then tested using classical molecular biology, models of infection, imaging, and high throughput phenotyping platforms in the lab.

Living in Norfolk

• Visit Norfolk
• Schools in Norfolk
• Childcare in Norfolk

Research Scientist

Applications are invited for an exciting opportunity to join the research groups of Professor Rob Kingsley and Professor Evelien Adriaenssens at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), Norwich. We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist to contribute to an innovative research programme developing novel bacteriophage-based approaches to control Salmonella infections in pigs.

The Research Opportunity:
Antimicrobial resistance represents a major global challenge and bacteriophages (phages) offer considerable potential as alternative antimicrobials.
Our research has established a functional genomics approach to enhance antimicrobial activity. You will play a key role in advancing this technology, applying molecular biology and microbiology approaches to engineer improved Salmonella phage-propagation strains and evaluate phage efficacy in a pig infection model. The research will combine bacterial genetics, phage biology, microbiology and host-pathogen interactions to generate findings with significant potential for translation into practical applications.
This is an opportunity to contribute to impactful, translational research within a collaborative academic environment, with the expectation that findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

The role and responsibilities:
As a Postdoctoral Research Scientist, you will lead experimental work to develop, characterise and evaluate improved approaches for bacteriophage production and the control of Salmonella infection.
Your responsibilities will include:
Applying molecular biology and microbiology techniques to investigate bacterial and phage biology.
Evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of bacteriophage preparations in a pig infection model.
Assessing Salmonella infection and efficacy of phage intervention.
Analysing, interpreting and communicating experimental findings.
You will work closely with the supervisory team and wider project partners, contributing to the development of a promising technology with potential applications in animal health and antimicrobial stewardship.

Professional development and career opportunities:
This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop your scientific expertise within a leading academic research environment, working at the interface of fundamental microbiology and translational research.
You will gain expertise in Salmonella and bacteriophage biology, bacterial genetic engineering and host-pathogen interactions. You will also develop transferable skills in scientific communication, collaborative research, project delivery and the translation of research innovations towards commercial application.
We place considerable importance on personal and professional development aligned with your individual research interests, career aspirations and project objectives.

The ideal candidate:
We are looking for a highly motivated and creative scientist with a PhD in microbiology or a related life sciences discipline, together with an interest in bacterial genetics, bacteriophage biology and host-pathogen interactions.
Experience in Salmonella genetics, bacteriophage research or host-pathogen interactions would be advantageous but is not essential. Training and support will be provided in relevant techniques and areas of the research programme.
Above all, we are seeking an enthusiastic scientist with a genuine passion for research and innovation.

Additional information:

This is a full-time post for a contract of 24 months.

Salary on appointment will be within the range £39,000 to £46,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. A starting salary of £40,100 is guaranteed for candidates who can evidence their PhD certificate at appointment; those awaiting confirmation of their PhD award will be appointed at £39,000 until evidence is provided.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.  Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from all sectors of society. The Institute values of Respect, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence are at the heart of all we do, and we expect all employees to share and display these values. To support our commitment, we have a range of family, faith and diversity friendly working arrangements to help all staff achieve excellence in their area of work.

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy.

About the Quadram Institute:

The Quadram Institute is an interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding how food and microbes interact to promote health and prevent disease. Its mission is to deliver healthier lives through innovation in gut health, microbiology and food. This is one of Europe’s largest centres of life sciences and home of the John Innes Centre and The Earlham Institute. (https://quadram.ac.uk/).

The closing date for applications will be 4 December 2026.

The Quadram Institute Bioscience is a registered charity (No. 1058499) and is an Equal Opportunities Employer.